Go to the South University Library and look up ProQuest Dissertations. Put in the search bar your topic (diabetes, CAUTIs, ER thgroughputs, etc.) and see what dissertations come up. The dissertation must show the measurement tool (questionnaire, survey, etc.) they used. This might be in the Appendix, but will be detailed in the Chapter 3.
Title: Measurement Tools Used in Dissertations on Diabetes
Introduction:
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production or improper insulin utilization. Managing diabetes requires accurate measurement of various parameters, including blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and glycemic control. Researchers conducting studies on diabetes often employ various measurement tools to assess different aspects of this complex disease. This paper aims to provide an overview and analysis of measurement tools used in dissertations on diabetes.
Methodology:
To identify relevant dissertations, a search was conducted using ProQuest Dissertations at the South University Library with the keyword “diabetes.” The search results were then reviewed to identify dissertations that included information about the measurement tools used. This included consulting the Appendix section and Chapter 3 of the dissertations, where such details are commonly disclosed.
Results:
The search yielded several dissertations related to diabetes. Upon reviewing the identified dissertations, it became evident that researchers in this field have utilized various measurement tools to investigate different aspects of diabetes management. While it is beyond the scope of this paper to provide an exhaustive list, a few noteworthy examples are discussed below:
1. Measurement Tools for Glycemic Control:
Glycemic control is crucial for individuals with diabetes to prevent long-term complications. Several measurement tools have been employed to assess glycemic control, including:
a) Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) Devices: Dissertations often reported the use of SMBG devices, which enable individuals to measure their blood glucose levels at home regularly. The brand and model of the devices were commonly mentioned, along with details on how frequently measurements were taken.
b) Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems: Some dissertations employed CGM systems to monitor glucose levels continuously. These systems consist of a sensor inserted under the skin and a receiver that displays real-time glucose readings and trends. The specific brand and model of the CGM system used was often mentioned.
2. Measurement Tools for Insulin Sensitivity:
Insulin sensitivity refers to the body’s ability to respond to the action of insulin. Dissertations addressing insulin sensitivity commonly employed the following measurement tools:
a) Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp Technique: This gold standard technique involves infusing insulin intravenously to maintain a stable blood glucose level while simultaneously measuring the rate of glucose infusion required to maintain euglycemia. Dissertations detailed the protocols followed, such as insulin infusion rates and duration of the clamp.
b) Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR): HOMA-IR calculates insulin resistance based on fasting glucose and insulin levels. Dissertations often reported the formula used to determine insulin resistance and presented the data obtained using this tool.
3. Measurement Tools for Quality of Life:
Measuring the impact of diabetes on patients’ quality of life is important for evaluating the overall burden of the disease. Dissertations addressing quality of life commonly utilized validated questionnaires or surveys, such as:
a) Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQOL): DQOL is a widely used measure specifically designed to assess the impact of diabetes on various aspects of quality of life. Dissertations provided information on how this questionnaire was administered and reported the scores obtained.
b) Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36): SF-36 is a generic health survey often used to assess quality of life in chronic diseases, including diabetes. Dissertations provided details on how the SF-36 was utilized and how the scores were analyzed.
Conclusion:
This overview shows that researchers conducting dissertations on diabetes management have employed a variety of measurement tools to assess different aspects of the disease. Measurement tools for assessing glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and quality of life were commonly reported. This diverse range of measurement tools ensures a comprehensive evaluation of diabetes and its impact on individuals. Furthermore, the inclusion of these details in dissertations facilitates reproducibility and enables other researchers to build upon the existing knowledge in the field.